Chicken and quail biosecurity

[member 129538]

My cheepers are still in their brooder pen inside but I wanted to know more about good biosecurity with keeping quail and chickens. I know I should work with the quail first then the chickens. And that they should far apart. I read somewhere that it should be a minimum of 20 feet but the more the better. Is it smart to keep antibiotics on hand in case coryza is inadvertently passed on to my quail. Or do antibiotics have a short shelf life? I've never had to use them for my chickens so I'm not sure. Are there any other precautions I should be taking? Also, can quail catch anything from turkeys or vice versa? I know all about mixing chicken and turkeys and the risks with that.

 

[dc3085]

My cheepers are still in their brooder pen inside but I wanted to know more about good biosecurity with keeping quail and chickens. I know I should work with the quail first then the chickens. And that they should far apart. I read somewhere that it should be a minimum of 20 feet but the more the better. Is it smart to keep antibiotics on hand in case coryza is inadvertently passed on to my quail. Or do antibiotics have a short shelf life? I've never had to use them for my chickens so I'm not sure. Are there any other precautions I should be taking? Also, can quail catch anything from turkeys or vice versa? I know all about mixing chicken and turkeys and the risks with that.

Sounds like you are being sufficiently careful.

Diseases can transmit between any two types of gamebirds so when switching species a good hand washing is recommended and as you know with the quail and work through the other flocks.

Antibiotics typically have a decent shelf life, but it will vary between the different types. It is suggested to keep them on hand or at least know where you can pick some up whenever you might need it. If you do keep them around, store them somewhere cool and dark for best results (or the fridge but check the label first to see if thats recommended)